TCF Bank branch inside Cub Foods robbed

The Forest Lake Police Department is investigating a robbery that took place at the TCF Bank branch inside Forest Lake’s Cub Foods last Wednesday, Oct. 2.

The crime was committed by a heavy-set black female believed to be in her late 20s, said Capt. Greg Weiss. She was wearing dark sunglasses, a black cardigan sweater, black flare slacks and a bandana. She is described as 5-4 to 5-5 and approximately 200 pounds.

Around 1 p.m., the suspect presented a note to a teller demanding money and implying the possession of a gun.

The day prior to the robbery, it is believed the suspect left Cub Foods in a Maroon GMC Envoy. A similar vehicle is seen on surveillance footage in the parking lot during the time of the robbery.

Police believe the suspect cased at least two other banks prior to the robbery.

Along with Forest Lake police, the Minnesota State Patrol and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

FLPD is seeking assistance in identifying the suspect or the vehicle. With information, call the department’s Tip Line at 651-209-9911.

Mobile home incident

Forest Lake police caught a woman suspected of burglarizing a home in the Woodland Park Mobile Estates on Monday, Oct. 7.

Police received a call around 3 p.m. after a resident of the park observed a woman entering a mobile home through a window, said Det. Ashley LaValle. The young man who saw her tried to prevent her from leaving the home, but the woman fled northeast of the park.

Police made an arrest in southeast Forest Lake that same day. The suspect, a 28-year-old from North Branch, was booked for trespassing and suspicion of burglary. The woman had been caught trespassing in the park on a previous occasion, said LaValle.

Ordinance compliance

The city’s new drug paraphernalia ordinance is in effect, and businesses have taken note. A check conducted Friday, Oct. 4 found complete compliance from retailers who previously sold merchandise that would now be in violation with the ordinance, said Weiss.